Arsenal vs PSG: Champions League Semi-Final First Leg Highlights & Analysis

Date: April 29, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Final Score: Arsenal 0 – 1 PSG
Goal Scorer: Ousmane Dembélé (4′)

Match Overview

Paris Saint-Germain secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal gave PSG the edge, but the tie remains open heading into the second leg in Paris.

Key Moments

PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé capitalized on a defensive lapse, volleying the ball past Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya to put the visitors ahead early in the match a 4′ – Dembélé’s Decisive Goal

Despite the early setback, Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya made several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable, including a vital reflex stop in the second half.

Arsenal thought they had equalized through Mikel Merino, but the goal was ruled out for offside, adding to the home side’s frustrations. (Disallowed Goal)

Tactical Analysis

Arsenal’s Response

After a shaky start, Arsenal grew into the game, creating more scoring opportunities and registering a higher expected goals (xG) total than PSG. However, they struggled to convert chances into goals.

PSG’s Pressing Game

Under Luis Enrique, PSG employed an aggressive high press that disrupted Arsenal’s build-up play, showcasing their tactical discipline and cohesion.

Player Performances

Arsenal

David Raya: Instrumental in goal, making crucial saves to keep Arsenal in the tie.
William Saliba & Jakub Kiwior: Solid defensive performances under pressure.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Made history as the youngest English player to feature in a Champions League semi-final, showing composure beyond his years.

PSG

Ousmane Dembélé: Continued his impressive form with the match-winning goal, further establishing himself as a key player for PSG.

What’s Next?

The second leg will take place at the Parc des Princes in Paris, where Arsenal will need to overturn the one-goal deficit to reach the Champions League final. With the tie still finely balanced, an exciting encounter awaits.

Today April 30 ,2025 another first leg semi final between Barcelona vs Inter Milan at Camp Nou at 22:00 .

Barcelona

Szczesny W.(G) ,Kounde J. ,Cubarsi P. Martinez I., Martin G , d Jong F. Pedri, Yamal ,Olmo D. ,Raphinha ,Torres F.

Injury

Balde A (Hamstring Injury )
Bernal M. (Knee Injury )
Casado M (Knee Injury )

Lewandowski R. ( Hamstring Injury)

Inter Milan

Sommer Y. (G) , Bisseck Y , Acerbi F , Bastoni A , Dumfries D , Barella N , Calhanoglu H , Mkhitaryan H , Dimarco F.

Martinez L , Thuram M

Injury

Carboni V. (Knee Injury)
Correa J. (Inactive)
Pavard B (Ankle Injury)

Conclusion

PSG’s early goal and disciplined performance have given them a slight advantage, but Arsenal’s resilience and home support in the upcoming second leg could prove decisive. Fans can look forward to a thrilling conclusion to this semi-final tie.The Guardian